Vietnam’s clam exports driven by rising demand
Clams dominate Vietnam’s shellfish exports, accounting for over 52% of total export revenue. In August 2024 alone, Vietnam’s clam exports reached nearly USD 10 million, marking a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Over the first eight months of 2024, cumulative exports in this category surpassed USD 65 million, reflecting a 19% year-over-year increase.
Vietnam’s mollusk farming area covers over 41,500 hectares (mainly shellfish), with an annual output of about 265,000 tons, of which clams contribute 179,000 tons. This industry provides employment to approximately 200,000 workers. However, climate change and saltwater intrusion are significantly affecting production, especially in clam farming.
The EU is currently the largest import market for Vietnamese clam products. Among EU countries, Spain and Italy lead in clam imports and are also the two largest individual markets, accounting for 26% and 21% of imports, respectively. Exports to these two markets are higher than during the same period last year. However, exports to Italy have been unstable and showed a downward trend in August.
China, Vietnam’s third-largest market for clam imports, is also seeing a significant increase in demand. Vietnam’s clam exports to China have surged with triple-digit growth rates in recent months. By the end of August 2024, clam exports to China had reached nearly USD 11 million, marking a 215% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to industry sources, the rising global demand for clams and shellfish is fueling growth in this export sector. As a result, Vietnam’s clam exports are expected to continue growing through the end of the year.
VFM
